How to clean a greenhouse

There are several reasons why you should put green house cleaning on your list of yearly garden tasks. We all know that plants need the right conditions to grow, and one of the basic requirements is light. But if you’ve been spending more time looking down at your seedlings, rather than up at the windows around you, you might not have noticed how grubby greenhouse glass can get! 

Since cleaning greenhouse interiors regularly can also minimize the spread of harmful bugs and diseases, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to getting your greenhouse thoroughly clean.

Being thorough – and having a clear plan – will make cleaning a greenhouse easy! Having the right products can also help you tackle any stains or any problems like mould or mildew.

How to clean the greenhouse interior

A warm, sunny day in spring or autumn, or a dry day in winter ­– when the greenhouse is fairly empty – is the best time to get started. Make sure you protect your clothes and put on rubber gloves before you set to work:

1. First, remove any plants from the greenhouse and put them in a sheltered spot in your garden.

2. Use a brush or a vacuum to sweep down any tabletops, remove cobwebs from corners, and completely clear the interior of debris. Make sure you also remove debris from the floor.

3. Using a commercial greenhouse cleaning product (read the instructions on the label), or soapy hot water and a microfiber cloth, clean the glass, metal, and plastic interior parts of the greenhouse. Make a mental note of any damaged panes of glass that need to be replaced. Then rinse with clean water. Allow to dry.

4. Next, use a commercial antibacterial spray like Cif antibacterial multi-purpose spray and a microfibre cloth to wipe down your tables. Remember to follow the instructions on the label of your product.

5. Depending on your floor type, consider washing it down with an appropriate floor cleaner, making sure to follow the directions on the label.

6. Disinfect any empty pots and tools before replacing them inside.

7. Once everything is dry, reposition your plants before tackling the outside of your greenhouse.

How to clean exterior greenhouse glass

Cleaning greenhouse glass needn’t be that complicated – just take care while you’re up the ladder, and be careful not to press too hard on the glass. Also, it’s best to clean greenhouse glass on a moderately windy day to allow the breeze to help the drying process along.

1. Gently clean away any moss or dirt that has built up on the outside of the greenhouse, then you can start washing.

2. Use a commercial greenhouse cleaning product (read the instructions on the label), or hot soapy water and a squeegee mop or a sponge.

3. A ladder can be helpful to reach high up areas or you can try attaching a sponge to the end of a broom. When using a ladder, make sure it’s placed on steady ground and wear shoes with good grip.

4. Remember to watch out for any broken panes of glass (wear gloves to protect your hands when cleaning greenhouse glass). Replace these once the rest of your greenhouse is clean.

5. Let the glass air dry and your greenhouse should now look sparkling clean.

Key steps:

• It’s essential to keep your greenhouse windows clean, inside and outside, in order to maximise light levels. All you need is some hot soapy water and a sponge or squeegee and you’re ready to get washing.